| On the Spot | |
|---|---|
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| Written by | Edgar Wallace |
| Date premiered | 2 April 1930 |
| Place premiered | Wyndham's Theatre |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Crime |
| Setting | Chicago |
On the Spot is a 1930 Chicago-set play by the British writer Edgar Wallace. Wallace was inspired by a visit to the United States and, in particular, the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre. Known as a prolific author, he reportedly dictated the manuscript for the play in just four days.[1] It was his greatest theatrical success.[1]
It lasted for 342 performances on its original West End run. Beginning at Wyndham's Theatre, it later transferred to the Cambridge Theatre.[2] The lead role of a Capone-like gangster Tony Perelli was played by Charles Laughton with Emlyn Williams as his henchman and Gillian Lind playing Perelli's Chinese mistress.[1] Other cast members included Roy Emerton, Carol Reed, Dennis Wyndham and Gladys Frazin.[2]
It transferred to America in October 1930 and ran for 167 performances at the Forrest Theatre in New York.[2] In 1931, Wallace novelised the play using the same title.